Papercrafts Around The World - Softcover

Grade 3-6?These multicultural projects are divided into sections based on types of cutting and folding skills required?geometric cuts, accordion folds, constructions, etc. In the table of contents, the country of origin is printed in italics next to each craft title. The book opens with a brief history of paper. Step-by-step directions, most as minimal as one sentence per step, refer to brightly colored diagrams, making this title accessible to visual learners. Adult help is needed only occasionally, as the directions are definitely written with children in mind. Step one is always "Collect your supplies," followed by a list. Each project includes a brief introduction that gives history, ethnic notes, and an explanation of the finished product's use. A complete index includes activity names; countries; and types of folds, cuts, etc. Fun-filled hours await children who are introduced to this book, and teachers can use it to supplement and enrich multicultural and interdisciplinary units.?Marilyn Fairbanks, East Junior High, Brockton, MA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4^-6. Paper crafts from 31 countries are introduced in this colorful book. Projects include a tangram from China, a shadow puppet from Indonesia, and a hoopshirt doll from Mexico. Bright and eye-catching, the ink-and-watercolor illustrations typically show the finished product and the few steps needed to make it. With only one page to develop each idea, the directions sometimes make assumptions. For instance, the instructions for making a "Daruma Doll" (Japan) say "Cut a small slice off the foam ball," without noting if this means styrofoam, how sharp the knife needs to be, how to hold the ball steady, or whether a child should get an adult at this point. Still, most of the projects involve materials easily obtained or readily available in the classroom. Teachers looking for a multicultural collection of craft projects may find the book a useful resource. Carolyn Phelan